How to Dispose of the Property of an Absent Person Who Has Not Returned
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A man had a female servant, and he gave her a sum of money to buy some necessities for him. He brought back what he wanted, but some money remained with him, and he forgot to give it to her. She then left and did not return. What is the ruling regarding the remaining money, considering that he had previously given her more than that amount voluntarily?
It is obligatory for him to search for this servant, to find out where she is, where her family is, and how to deliver the remaining money to her. If he is unable to do so, he should give it in charity on her behalf—Meaning: with the remaining amount—intending that the reward be for her. As for what he had given her voluntarily before, that is gone with its reward, and he cannot recover it with this money.
It is obligatory for him to search for this servant, to find out where she is, where her family is, and how to deliver the remaining money to her. If he is unable to do so, he should give it in charity on her behalf—Meaning: with the remaining amount—intending that the reward be for her. As for what he had given her voluntarily before, that is gone with its reward, and he cannot recover it with this money.